• In both the male and female three layers of muscle form the anterolateral abdominal wall.

The internal oblique muscle is the middle of these.

Origin

• Thoracolumbar fascia.

• Anterior two-thirds of the intermediate line of the iliac crest.

• Lateral two-thirds of the inguinal ligament.

Insertion

• The posterior fibers insert into the cartilages of the lower three or four ribs.

• The fibers arising from the inguinal ligament merge with the lower part of the aponeurosis
of transversus abdominis, forming the conjoint tendon, which is attached to pubic crest
and pecten pubis.

• Between these extremes, the muscle gives rise to an aponeurosis which splits into
anterior and posterior layers which are attached (medially) to the linea alba and xiphoid
process.

• The anterior layer blends with the aponeurosis of external oblique.

• The posterior layer extends up as far as the margins of seventh to ninth costal cartilages.

• In the lower part of the abdominal wall, the whole aponeurosis of the internal oblique
attaches to the linea alba.

Nerve supply

• Ventral rami of the lower six thoracic and first lumbar nerves.

Action

• Together with the external oblique and transversus abdominis muscles, the internal
oblique raises the pressure within the abdominal cavity and pelvis.

• When the thoracic cage and the diaphragm are fixed, this muscle assists in defecation,
micturition, and parturition.

• When the diaphragm is relaxed, this group of muscles pulls down on the ribs, which
forces the contents of the abdomen and the diaphragm upwards to produce forced
expiration.